CHELSEA legend Petr Cech has crowned Wayne Rooney as the toughest opponent he has faced.
The retired goalkeeper spent 15-years in the Premier League with the Blues before ending his career with London rivals Arsenal.
During that time he made 633 appearances for both clubs winning 14 pieces of major silverware in the process.
He has gone up against some of football’s greatest players including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
But Cech, 37, insists Manchester United’s record goalscorer remains at the top of the pile.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official site, he said: “Wayne Rooney. Every time we played against United I had to make sure I was aware every time he had the ball, because he was very unpredictable and very clever.
“He is a guy who can chase, who can fight, who can run, who is clever with his shot.
“He could score from the halfway line, he could try and chip you if you were too high.
“That was a challenge I enjoyed.”
Red Devils legend Rooney scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for United before sealing a move back to Everton.
Cech was in his prime during his trophy-laden spell with Chelsea, winning four Premier League titles.
Reminiscing on his time at Stamford Bridge he said: “When I look back, I’m happy for the good things, I’m obviously not happy with the things that didn’t go exactly as we wanted, but they played an important part, so I wouldn’t change a thing.
“It was a great journey. I really enjoyed it. If I had the chance, I would do it all over again.”
